HealthSheets™

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Kidney Stones: Are You at Risk?

People who form kidney stones often share certain risk factors. Middle-aged men, for instance, are more likely to form stones than other people. A family history of stones also increases your risk. Assess your risk factors by checking the questions below yes or no.

Yes

No

Do you drink fewer than 8 glasses of water a day?

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Do you live in the Southeast U.S. or another hot climate?

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Have you ever had a kidney stone before?

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Has anyone in your family had kidney stones?

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Are you a male between the ages of 30 and 50?

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Have you had a kidney infection in the last few months?

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Do you take large doses of vitamin C supplements?

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Does your diet include only low amounts of calcium or potassium?

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Do you often drink cola, or eat chocolates, spinach, or peanuts (high-oxalate foods)?

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Do you eat foods high in salt and meat content? (Eating a high-animal-protein diet is a risk for uric acid and calcium stones. A high-salt diet is a risk for all types of kidney stones.)

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Do you have gout or hyperparathyroidism?

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Do you eat foods with a high sugar content?

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How great is your risk?

The more times you answered yes, the greater your risk of forming kidney stones. But you can help reduce your risk. Learn more about kidney stones, how they form, and how to prevent them.